An Asian man was wilfully murdered on Sunday between 11am and 12:30pm midday by a group of aggrieved tributors at Kilolo mine area in Wau Waria District of Morobe province.
Tributors is a term that refers to individuals or small groups who are working on mining site under a tribute system, the system allows them to extract minerals from a specific area in exchange for giving a percentage for share of their finds to the mining company or the landowners.
Morobe Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Jacob Singura, says the prime suspect, Simon Forfin, led a group of over sixty individuals.
The group attacked workers of Wido Mine Limited.
The attackers set fire to several machines, including backhoes, and tragically killed the 47-year-old Chinese national, Chemcu Zing.
Four mine workers were also wounded in the attack.
Two individuals, Xing Zhang Hua, an elderly Chinese national, and Li Xia Yao, another Chinese national, are in critical condition.
Singura said the two critically injured men were taken to Angau General Hospital in Lae.
The other two workers sustained minor injuries.
All the injured have been transported to Lae for further medical treatment.
The deceased has yet to be taken to the morgue in Lae, as arrangements are still being made, pending additional manpower support from other police units.
Further intelligence reports suggest that the suspects may be armed with firearms, possibly factory-made guns.
The armed individuals are believed to be hiding in nearby bushes, monitoring police movements.
The prime suspect, Simon Forfin, has not yet been apprehended and is believed to have decamped.
However, an accomplice in the killing, a woman who allegedly instigated the attack and is the sister of the ring leader, has been apprehended and interrogated about his whereabouts.
The search for the suspects continues, with a total of 25 suspects identified.
The situation remains tense and is being closely monitored by authorities.